Tag: children

Made to Love My Church Family

On By gaillovesgodIn blogging, Uncategorized, WGWM Study Notes16 Comments

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
– Ephesians 5:19-21

Lord, how grateful I am to You for creating a church family! And for allowing me to be a part of one! And a part of the church family worldwide… also known as the family of God! Family in Christ! A part of YOUR family! ❤ I am so grateful to call You, Father! I am so humbled for Jesus to be my Brother! ❤

I am just as grateful that You allowed my son to grow up always knowing church family! To allow Him to grow up knowing hymns instead of rock music. Even though He heard it at home, He grew to love God’s music. Thank You for allowing Him to learn You, Your Word, and allowing me to glean from His learning. Thank You for His heart to teach His mom.

Thank You for allowing all of the fellowship, the unconditional love and support, the unexpected relationships, and a world of people who are also so in love with You too! Who never grow tired of loving You! Who delight just to think on You, Your Word, Your People, and Your hymns. Souls who do not waver from Your word because they know the value of discipline… an honest and tough love! For our good!

Thank You for all of the Vacation Bible Schools, the many memories, the children’s plays, the children I have been blessed to fellowship with in the nursery, to teach in school and the many forms of church classes, the bus rides, and the abundance of memories with children singing Your songs with such sweet sound and sweet smiles!

Thank You for the many times You have sent someone to minister to me and Anthoni, and the rest of my family. Thank You for those who have been there during loss, births, marriages, divorces, moves, tragedies, celebrations, showers, storms, and so much of life. Thank You for those You have allowed to think of me when I have had health issues. Thank You for the church body!

Thank You for the ladies bible studies, the ladies Sunday School, ladies events, ladies banquets, ladies retreats, and the countless ladies outings and friendships… sisters for life!

Thank You for men of God! Godly men! Men who genuinely love You, serve, You, Worship You, OBEY YOU, testify of You, sing of You, preach of You, and that have shared the wisdom, knowledge, and teaching with my son! Living out being a man of God for my son to learn by example.

Thank You for the missionaries and evangelists! Serving You wherever You send them. Trusting in You to provide! Thank You for the years You gave me to send cards, notes and encouragement to hundreds! I WAS THE ONE BEING BLESSED! Thank You for what they taught me about depression… the biblical truth! Thank You for their preparing me in knowing what my son would suffer and go through. Thank You for what that teaching did for ME in my own struggle with clinical depression… as a child of God.

There are not enough thank Yous when in comes to being a part of church family! But I give You the ones You have allowed to come to mind! I love You, Father God! I love Your church! And I absolutely pray church family!

I look forward to being a part of the biggest church family ever when I get to heaven! What a day that will be! ❤

Inspiration: WGWM Study Notes, Week 2 Day 5

Gifts 2017 #4 Family, Heaven, Technology

On By gaillovesgodIn Gifts 2017, Uncategorized8 Comments

Christmas Countdown: Family is a gift. As we have lost so many, it makes each one still here a gift. I thank God for my sister Sandra, my son Anthoni, my brother Nathan Brookshire, my brother-in-law Tim, my stepdad Bobby, my uncles, my aunts, and of all my cousins, and that includes adopted, foster, and in-laws. I will be tagging you each that I can on FB. The most important thing we learn from family is we do not choose them. God does. God wants us to know it’s ALL about being His children, and trusting in God the Father, His precious Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We are ALL family in Him. THANK YOU, GOD ❤ for family!!

Heaven is a gift. Heaven is not just a place that awaits us, but it holds some of the people whom we love and miss so dearly! We have family, friends, church family, and so many more safely in the arms of the One Christmas is all about. We will meet that special Someone some day, and His Dad! And just think… all of those He used US to either lead to salvation or encourage in some way will be there too! Then one final Christmas day, WE will receive our gift of entering Heaven, and taking up residence in the home He went away to prepare for us! ❤

Technology is a GIFT: It may seem trivial to say this, but by the grace of God there is so much that can be done through technology: listening to audio-bibles, sermons, hymns, Christian radio, Christian Christmas music, encouraging others, praying for others, watching a plane fly across the country to keep up with loved ones making it safely home, using Google maps to help someone lost while on cellphone, and so much more, including this moment of being able to praise my Lord before the world! ❤ Love you, Father! ❤ Love you, Jesus! ❤ Love you, Holy Ghost! ❤

Gifts 2017 #2 My Son Anthoni, Church, Rest

On By gaillovesgodIn Gifts 2017, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Christmas Countdown: Anthoni has been my gift from the Lord from the moment God answered my prayers with his arrival. Those little arms, precious hugs, & loving smiles grew into a caring young man, who has had a special thing with the Lord all on his own from the womb. I can’t explain everything, but I sure can appreciate & praise the Lord for allowing me to be a part of it! Thank you, God, for entrusting me with your gift. ❤ Love u both ❤ God 1st… & praise you that Anthoni completely understands THAT truthful statement & LOVES it like that! ❤

The house of the Lord (aka church) is a gift! If we would put as much focus on making God welcome in His house as we do for us in our own, how amazing would the house of the Lord be glorified.

Rest is a GIFT: Praise the Lord for a day of rest, and for a God who promises rest unto his people. A season of rest is such a beautiful gift from God, ESPECIALLY when one is so run down. Revive us again, O Lord, in your perfect rest. Even you rested after creating the world 🙂 We love you! ❤

An Elevating Adventure

On By gaillovesgodIn Uncategorized16 Comments

This weekend my son Anthoni and I were invited to watch a young friend sing a solo while playing her guitar. It had been quite awhile since I went to anything downtown. My anxiety and my health make it challenging just to get through my day. But Belle was singing and playing in front of a large crowd for the first time, and had personally invited us. We wanted to support her. We had known her since she was a little girl.

Many of you may remember me mentioning watching her and her little brother Trey getting baptized this summer in my post on the 30 Posts Challenge: #20 River Baptism.

Anthoni and I made it downtown. It was an adventure we had not done in quite some time. We did not know the place we were going to, so we asked a parking attendant for info. After parking and attempting to follow our given instructions, we ended up going through a hotel entrance I knew (which was the long way around, but saved the day with familiarity.) I was glad I took the time to Google it and study the map. Through the hallway, we found where we should be, and got in line. We even got to speak with Belle and her family for a few minutes before the show.

Time to buy the tickets!

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and receive our program.

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After Anthoni got some popcorn, we were able to be seated with Belle’s family. It was nice being able to say hello and catch up a little bit. They were able to tell us about Belle’s school, that the space was actually owned by a church but was being lent out to the school for the program, and what Belle would be doing. We got to looking through our program as they were explaining.

We were so excited to see it… Belle Solo!

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We had wait until after a couple of skits, a couple of bands, some others singing, dancing, and even several young people taking turns on “silks” (as it read). Silks were basically long draping silks that were being climbed, swung on, hung from, and included using a ring at times… big enough to serve as a tire swing hanging from a tree in the backyard.

Then we saw a familiar face in a beautiful dress coming to the microphone with her guitar in hand. What a lovely sound. Oh How He Loves is what she sang. I wish I had pictures, but her dad was kind enough to give permission to use a video.

I already loved this song, but oh how beautiful she made this song of how much God loves us… that He is jealous for us… in a good way. I was so thankful the Lord allowed me the opportunity, the health, and even the quality time with my son. It was awesome! She was awesome. She performed a lot of different material in the program in addition to her solo, and was able to do each task beautifully.

She was making a beautiful testimony for the Lord. If this is what she sounds like in just getting started, imagine what the Lord has planned for her as she becomes seasoned with her gifts. God will be magnified greatly!

“Being confident of this very thing,
that he which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
– Philippians 1:6 KJV

Thank you, Lord, for letting us make it! Thank you for the night. ❤

Praying for you, Belle! You have become such a lovely young lady! I am confident that God has great things in store for you… for His great pleasure! He loves you! ❤ And so do we!

Thankful 2017.6 My Son Anthoni

On By gaillovesgodIn Thankful 2017, Uncategorized6 Comments

Lord, There are not enough words in the universe to tell you how thankful I am for the gift you entrusted me with in my son, Anthoni (aka Inner Man Theatre)! You blessed me those pair of little arms, those beautiful brown eyes, that black curly hair, that precious smile, and loving little heart! I was always so grateful to be a mom from day one… and I still am!

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He’s all grown up, but he’s still my little man! Thank you for entrusting him to me. And thank you that he is Yours. He always has been, but I praise your Holy name that he gave his heart and life to you long ago! I know that I can trust him to you. I pray for him and his ministry… Inner Man Theatre.

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Corrective Concern

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized9 Comments

Such a small hand
to have to place correction,
but when he is lost
I am his direction.
Such beautiful eyes
to ever shed a tear,
but when he’s in danger
I must say, “No, Dear.”
What a beautiful smile
to ever see turn down,
but when he’s being hateful
he’ll end up with a frown.
What a shame to hear a laughter
scream into a cry,
but when he’s endangering others,
I can’t stand by.
I love my child so much.
I just want to keep him safe,
but it’s so hard to be authoritative
when you hear them cry and play.

3-27-91 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
PS… Of course I wrote this thinking of my little one when he was little ❤

Jesus’ Song for Gail (taken from Song of Solomon 3)

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized, Writing10 Comments

1. By night [from heaven] I sought [Gail], but I found [Gail] not. 2. I will rise now, and go about the [earth to and fro], I will seek [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth: I sought [Gail], but I found [Gail] not. 3. The [angels] that go about the [earth] found me: to whom I said, Saw ye [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth? 4. It was but a little that I passed from there, but I found [Gail] whom my [Spirit] loveth: I held [Gail], and would not let [Gail] go, until I had brought [Gail] into my [Father’s] house, and into the [presence] of [the Holy Ghost] that conceived me. 5. I charge ye, O ye [children of God running about tending to God’s harvest] that ye stir not up, nor awake [Gail], till [Gail] please. 6. Who is this that cometh [through the fiery trials of her life shining with the light of God upon her]? 7. Behold [Gail lays upon her bed], a [host of angels] are about it, of [the angels of God]. 8. They all had swords, being expert in war: every [angel] hath his sword upon his thigh [to protect Gail from things of the night]. 9. [Gail is a vessel of the Lord]. 10. [Gail is made of God, and is adorned with God’s mercy and grace, so that Gail can carry God’s love for all of God’s children]. 11. Go forth, O ye [children of God], and behold [Gail] with the [glory] wherewith [Gail’s Father glorified Gail] in the day of [Gail’s salvation], and in the day of gladness of [Gail’s] heart.

This poem does not belong to me or anyone, yet it is written for every single one of us! It is Song of Solomon 3. I merely placed my name wherever the word was talking about me (us). Please take a moment, when the Lord allows, to replace my name with yours to read the love your beloved Savior has for you! It is the most beautiful love letter! ❤

Farewell Childhood Friend

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized2 Comments

Farewell my childhood friend.
It’s time to let you go.
You have been such a comfort,
more than you’ll ever know.
It’s sad seeing you leaving.
I’m sure it must be best.
Life has long been the teacher
that keeps giving us the test.
May you find happiness
in all you venture in.
Take good care of yourself
and don’t forget your friend.

11-5-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
PS… for someone no longer here 😦

My Daddy

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized9 Comments

My daddy… he’s a man I miss out on when I’m not helping him.
When I don’t get out there and help him, I feel like I’ve deserted him.
Like I’ve left him out in the cold after all those times he’s sacrificed everything,
just to keep me fed.
When he’s out there working on that car in snow cold weather, he’s freezing.
He’s taking the chance of getting sick, or maybe catching pneumonia,
and he could die for this.
Just over trying to make sure we have the comfort and warmth, and saftey of a car
in case we would like to selfishly go get a coke, a pizza, or something
that takes more of his money that he works so hard for.
He breaks his back on a hard job to take care of us.
Not bothering him a bit that we sit nice and warm inside
with our socks off, playing cards, laughing, and having a fire going.
I feel so guilty if I don’t go out there.
Even if I don’t know how to fix a car.
Just to be there to hold the flashlight, or turn the switch,
or just be ready to get something for him.
So long as I’m out there freezing too, taking my fair share of the abuse,
and just somehow letting my daddy know I love him enough
to be out there in that cold too, lets me know that I’m no better than my daddy.
And I’m willing to sacrifice to prove it to him.
I want him to know I love him for all he’s done
and am so thankful to God that he’s here.
And even if he didn’t do anything, I would still love him just as much.
Thank you, God, for giving me a daddy at all,
and then thank you a million for making him the daddy I have.
Forever & Eternally Grateful

12-14-91 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
In loving memory of my dad Willard Brookshire
(Feb.13, 1944 – Jan. 27, 2005)

The Fall Tag 10.16.17

On By gaillovesgodIn Awards & Tags, Uncategorized16 Comments

How absolutely delightful and different, Lord! The Fall Tag is a tag of community friendship to celebrate the wonders of your creation and artwork! Fall (Autumn) is so beautiful! Thank you, Lord, for allowing Princess Blabbermouth to tag me. Bless her, Lord, and her blog. Thank you for allowing me to have her site to go to. I love her posts, the pictures, the food, and the lovely personality you can read within.thefalltagThank you, Princess Blabbermouth, for the tag. The Fall Tag is a great way to celebrate His wonders decorated all throughout the season. God loves you!

Rules:
Put the tag badge and rules in your post.
Answer the 10 fall-related questions.
Tag at least 5 other bloggers to join in the fun!

1. What’s your favorite fall outfit? Comfort clothes… sweats, socks, pajamas, scarves, flannels, men’s oversized long sleeved shirts with a little Obsession on the sleeve and cuff .

2. What is fall weather like where you live? Beautiful, breezy, leaves and color everywhere. I love the wind playing with my hair.

3. Your favorite drink to have in the fall? hot chocolate

4. Does your family have any fall traditions? Not anymore. When we were a larger family, we use to clean leaves for my grandmother and her neighbors, and as adults we use to work a famous haunted house for a charity fundraiser. 

5. What are some activities and events you enjoy going to in the fall months? I have not been to one in a while, but a church or school fall festival is fun.

6. What’s your favorite fall-scented candle? I don’t know if it’s a fall scent, but I like lavender. I’m not really a candle person since I have allergies and sensitivities, and I am highly uncomfortable with burning flames sitting around the house. Maybe one at dinner?

7. Tell us about one of your favorite fall memories. Raking leaves for my grandmother, and jumping in the piles…. just laying them.

8. What are some fall movies you enjoy watching? A Thanksgiving to Remember

9. What’s your favorite fall treat? I used to love caramel and fudged candied apples sprinkled with nuts. Not had one in a good while. Or a warm funnel cake. I know everyone likes pumpkin and yams, not me.

10. If you celebrated Halloween, what’s the best costume you’ve worn? Dressing as our local D.J. Rick Hampton. Of all the costumes, everyone figured mine out the easiest, with just a few exceptions of mistaking me for Jerry Garcia of the Grateful dead (to give you an idea of what he looked like)… meaning I achieved my goal. He loved it too. He happened to be a good friend of mine.

Fall Tag Nominees:
Discovering Your Happiness
Soul Food 101
BibbleBloggerGirl
Wrestling with Faith – Dancing with Jesus
Little Miss Bear Paw

If you want to participate, comment “Tag Me!” down below and you are nominated.

Happy tagging and have a joyful Autumn (Fall) season while it lasts. I love how these days are not too hot, nor too cold. I love the windows down and the doors open. Cozy fires and a movie night. Or just lazy evenings on the porch to enjoy the lovely display of God’s wonders. And of course, preparing for winter.

My Love Will Never End

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized, Writing4 Comments

God touched a little girl broken and abandoned
and said, “I’ll be your friend.”
He drew her into His arms and loved her,
and promised He would to the end.
As she grew, she lived on His word,
never able to forget.
Whenever she made a mistake that hurt Him,
she would soon regret.
Tormented by guilt and shame of her choices,
she grew away more each day.
Her Lord came in patient mercy and asked,
“Why do you push me away?”
With tear filled eyes, she looked into His
and simply replied,
“You said you would love me to the end,
but one day I will die.”
With concern He looked at her and reassured,
“But that will keep us together.”
“Yes,” she said, “If I had no sin in my life.
But only Heaven and Hell are forever.
You said you would love me to the end
and that I have believed.
But I am filled with sorrow to know
at my death You must leave.”
Touched by the misunderstanding
of the heart He knew He could mend,
God lovingly responded, “Then let me rephrase that,
my love for you will never end.”

12-10-01 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

A Single Christian Mom

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized, Writing15 Comments

A Christian mother and a single mother,
that’s what I am,
though I know that was not a part of
God’s original plan.
He had greater ideas for my son and I
before I made a mistake,
yet I know He still cares for us
and will mold us for His sake.
Each day is hard as a single Christian mom,
but each day belongs to Him,
so I will lift my praise each day
and find comfort in His hymn.

4-14-01 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Having You

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized, WritingLeave a comment

Having a little baby
is something I wanted to do.
Well, my unborn child,
I am having you.
I cannot wait to hold you
and sing a lullaby.
I long to ease your tears
when you come to cry.
And oh the day when you will walk,
will be a day of joy.
I want to hear the voice
of my little girl or boy.
Yet, the thrill that gets me most
is a day that you
will run into my arms and say,
“Mommy, I love you.”

9-24-89 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
I wrote this for a dear friend who worked with my mom years ago.
She was in her late 40’s, praying to be married and have kids.
The Lord gave her a hubby and a baby on the way.
She asked me to write something to give her baby when grown.

At Your Grave

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, Uncategorized3 Comments

Beauty in a death of one,
I really loved so much.
Though I’ve been through a lot,
I’ve never hurt as such
A devastating time as this.
It’s really something new.
How can I come to deal with it,
If I don’t know what to do?
All the days we shared together,
All the smiles we gave,
I never knew there’d be a day
I’d stand here at your grave.

8-9-89 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)

Knock, Knock

On By gaillovesgodIn Poetry, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Sitting in my lazy boy,
I suddenly hear a knock.
As I open up the door,
I find a yellow sock.
I look around the corner side
and all around the yard.
I do not see anyone
though I am looking very hard.
A week goes by so suddenly,
I go to watch the news.
They’re talking of a murdered girl
found without her shoes.
Dressed in her yellow shorts,
one of her socks was gone.
Over on my nightstand
lays the other one.
I stare at it so very close.
I go to hold the sock
and all that I can think of
is the day I heard the knock.

7-18-89 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)